A Heartfelt Gift to Those Who Served

As the thanksgiving season approaches, most of us look forward to gatherings filled with warmth, family, and gratitude. But for many veterans, particularly those who are homeless or struggling, thanksgivings can be a painful reminder of isolation, hunger, and hardship. This year, National Homeless Veterans Support (NVHS) aims to change that story for veterans across Brevard County. Our thanksgiving Outreach is more than a meal; it’s a message of hope, love, and gratitude for those who have sacrificed so much.

For veterans who often feel forgotten, especially during this time of year, NVHS steps in as a guiding light. Our mission? To ensure that no veteran spends thanksgivings alone or hungry. Through the power of community, NVHS brings comfort to the hearts of those who have given everything for our country.

Be the reason a veteran feels valued this holiday season—donate or volunteer today and help us bring warmth and gratitude to those who’ve served.

A Simple Meal, A Powerful Message

Imagine spending Thanksgiving without the joy of loved ones or the warmth of a home-cooked meal. For many veterans, this is a stark reality. Some live on the streets, in shelters, or in temporary housing, far removed from the thanksgiving festivities most of us take for granted. But NVHS refuses to let these heroes be forgotten.

This year, NVHS plans to feed 300 veterans and their families who otherwise might not have a thanksgiving meal. These meals, delivered with love and care, will remind each veteran that they are valued, remembered, and honored. Each turkey, each roll, each slice of pie is more than just food—it’s a symbol of the community’s gratitude.

However, to make this vision a reality, NVHS needs your help. Here’s what they are asking for:

  • Turkeys: 25 turkeys, thawed and uncooked, are needed by Monday, November 25.
  • Rolls: A total of 600 rolls to complete the meals.
  • Green Beans: 80 cans of green beans have already been collected, but more is always welcome.
  • French Fried Onions: 21 bags (16 oz. each) to make the perfect green bean casserole.
  • Cream of Mushroom Soup: 37 cans needed for the casserole.
  • Yams: 40 cans of yams for a sweet thanksgiving favorite.
  • Boxed Mashed Potatoes: 20 boxes for warm, fluffy sides.
  • Stuffing: 40 boxes of stuffing to bring comfort to every plate.
  • Chicken Broth: 7 cartons for the dishes.
  • Turkey Gravy: 50 bottles to tie everything together.
  • Prepared Fresh Pies: 40 pies, either homemade or bought, to finish off each meal with something sweet.
  • Other Supplies: Aluminum foil, 13×21 aluminum trays, paper grocery bags (200 each in medium and large sizes), cutlery packets (Sam’s Club 350 ct), and Styrofoam To-Go containers (350 large and 350 small pie containers) are needed to package and deliver the meals.

Non-perishable donations can be dropped off at 1436 King St., Cocoa, FL 32922 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For any questions about dropping off frozen or thawed turkeys, please call 321-208-7562.

Volunteers: The Heart of Our Mission

Beyond the food and supplies, it’s the volunteers who breathe life into NVHS’s thanksgiving Outreach Program. These individuals donate their time to deliver meals to veterans, but what they truly deliver is human connection. A kind word, a smile, and a reminder that someone cares can make all the difference for veterans who have faced unimaginable hardships.

This year, NVHS is looking for 15 drivers to deliver meals on Thanksgiving morning to veterans across Brevard County. Imagine being the person who knocks on the door of a veteran who’s been waiting alone, and hands them not just a meal, but a moment of care. Imagine being the reason a veteran smiles that day.

Delivering a meal isn’t just a task; it’s an act of compassion. It tells veterans who may have felt abandoned that their sacrifices are recognized, that they matter, and that their community stands beside them. If you’re interested in being a part of this meaningful experience, call 321-208-7562 to volunteer.

More Than Just a Meal: The Gift of Dignity

The NVHS thanksgiving Outreach Program is about more than just meeting physical needs—it’s about restoring dignity. For veterans who have experienced the hardships of homelessness, the thanksgiving season can be a painful reminder of all that’s been lost: homes, families, and stability. NVHS works tirelessly to remind these veterans that they are not alone, and that their lives are worth celebrating.

Each meal that NVHS provides is a tangible expression of gratitude, a message that says, “We see you. We honor you. We are here for you.” It’s a powerful gesture, showing veterans that their sacrifices have not been forgotten, even when their lives may have taken difficult turns.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

The beauty of the NVHS thanksgiving Outreach lies in its ripple effect. When you donate food or volunteer your time, you’re not just impacting one veteran—you’re making a statement about the kind of community we live in. You’re showing that compassion and gratitude are alive and well.

When veterans receive these meals, they’re reminded that they belong to a community that values their service. This simple act of kindness can reignite hope and, for some, it can even be a step toward healing. It can inspire them to seek help, connect with others, and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

How You Can Make a Difference

You don’t have to be a chef or a delivery driver to make a difference. Whether it’s donating a turkey, sharing a warm pie, or spreading the word about NVHS’s mission, every action counts. The success of the thanksgiving Outreach Program depends on the collective efforts of the community. Together, we can ensure that veterans feel the love and respect they deserve, especially during the thanksgiving season.

If you’re unable to donate food or volunteer, consider visiting nvhs.org to learn more about our services and contribute financially. Even the smallest donation can help NVHS continue its mission of serving those who’ve served us.

Gratitude in Action

The NVHS thanksgiving Outreach is a true expression of gratitude. For the veterans who have fought for our freedoms and sacrificed so much, thanksgivings can be a time of great need. But with the support of NVHS and the community, these veterans will not be left behind.

This Thanksgiving, let’s come together to ensure that every veteran knows they are remembered, appreciated, and loved. By donating food, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, you can be part of something bigger—a movement of compassion that brings light to the lives of those who’ve given so much.

In the end, it’s not just about the meal. It’s about restoring dignity, rekindling hope, and showing veterans that their service will never be forgotten.